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Last Updated: October 5th, 2023

10 Essential Facts to Know Before Officiating a Wedding in Delaware

The facts below cover all the important aspects of what requirements you need to meet to be able to legally officiate a wedding ceremony in Delaware.

1.

Who Can Officiate Weddings in Delaware?

This is the relevant exerpt from the Delaware Code § 106.


" (2) The following individuals over 18 years of age may solemnize a marriage between individuals who may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation:

a. A clergyperson or minister of any religion who resides in the State of Delaware, provided he or she is registered with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where he or she resides.

b. A clergyperson or minister of any religion who does not reside in the State of Delaware, provided he or she is registered with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed. "



Basically, this means that as long as you are ordained through any church, you can officiate weddings.

2.

Are Online Ordinations Recognized in Delaware?

Yes. All online ordained ministers, including those ordained through AMM are recognized in Delaware.

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3.

Is Government Registration Required to Officiate a Wedding in Delaware?

Yes. All officiants in Delaware must register with the Clerk of the Peace before they officiate a wedding. This must be the Clerk in the jurisdiction where the wedding is taking place.

4.

What Office Do I Register with Before Officiating a Wedding in Delaware?

The Clerk of the Peace in Delaware is responsible for officiant registration.

5.

What is the Minimum Legal Age to Officiate a Wedding in Delaware?

All Wedding Officiants in Delaware must be at least 18 years old.

6.

Does my Residency Affect the Registration Process?

Possibly. In Delaware both resident and non-resident ministers must register with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the marriage is to take place. At this time the State of Delaware has not finalized the minister registration process, so there may be different applications depending on your residency status.

7.

Does the Delaware Government Provide an Application I Need to Complete?

Contact Local Office. The Delaware Clerk of the Peace has not yet finalized the minister registration process and they may provide some paperwork for you to complete prior to performing marriage.

8.

Do I Need to Submit Proof of my Ministry Credentials to the Delaware Government?

Maybe. As of 2020 the State of Delaware requires minister registration to be done through the Clerk of the Peace. As of Februrary 2021 they have not yet codified the minister registration process so the credential requirements have not been specified. We recommend that you do order your official ministry credentials as it is likely you will be asked to submit them as part of your registration.

9.

How Much Does the Officiant Registration Process Cost in Delaware?

It will cost you about $50 to register as a wedding officiant in Delaware.

10.

How Long Does it Take to Register as a Wedding Officiant in Delaware?

Depends on the County. We recommend that you begin your registration at least Up To 30 Days before the wedding.


Delaware Officiant Registration Step-by-Step Instructions

For a more detailed guide on how to complete the officiant registration process in Delaware, check out our Delaware Officiant Registration page by clicking the button below.


OFFICIANT REGISTRATION GUIDE FOR DELAWARE

OFFICIANT GOVERNMENT REGISTRATION BY STATE

Delaware City Guides

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